Over the years I have had a love and hate relationship with food.

CAC Happenings

October 15, 2026

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you (John 6:27a NRSVUE).”

Over the years I have had a love and hate relationship with food. Often the food I should hate for health reasons is the food I love – plentiful with taste and also calories, fats, and cholesterol. Even as I reflect in mid-October my mind’s eye is pointing past Halloween and am thinking about how to navigate the calorie laden Holiday Season. You may be familiar with the brand Eat This, Not That! created by David Zinczenko, former Editor in Chief of Men’s Health magazine. Eat This! Not That! reminds us of something we likely know firsthand: our food choices have consequences for our health, for good or for ill.

This analogy holds with what we consume for our spiritual health. Every day, we consume substantially more than physical food. Our minds are fed constantly with the news of the day, viral opines on social media, and 24/7 information via texts, emails, apps, and videos that can take up hours of our time in a heartbeat. In addition, we feed our own selves with our relationships, vocations, and activities coupled with our desires with success, possessions, and recognition. We can consume a lot. And a lot can consume us.

In the above verse from John, is reminding us, in own His inimitable way, to “Eat This, Not That!” Jesus is not saying here that food is unimportant. It is. Yet Jesus is encouraging us not to allow our physical needs and earthly ambitions to become more important than our relationship with God.

The ‘this’ Jesus advises us to eat is Jesus himself. A few verses later, He declares that He is the bread of life. Eating ‘that’ spiritual food means trusting Jesus, listening to His Word, and adhering to His teachings. It is a choice of faith over fear, truth over deception, love over hatred, fairness over bigotry, gratitude over greed, and eternal values over temporary pleasures. It means following Jesus as if our lives depended on it. And they do.

Our UCC statement of faith declares “God sets before us the ways of life and death” At risk of hyperbole, that pertains to what we choose to eat, both physically and spiritually. May we choose, today and tomorrow, to “Eat This”—the grace, truth, and love of Christ. That choice will be filling – for life.

May God bless you with Good Health,

Rev. Freeman L. Palmer

Conference Minister

Central Atlantic Conference UCC

62ND CAC ANNUAL MEETING SURVEY

Thank you again to all who attended either in person or online the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Central Atlantic Conference.

We would like to get your feedback on

the meeting so that we can make next year's meeting even better! PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY MONDAY OCTOBER 19, 2026

Please SAVE THE DATE for our 63rd Annual Meeting, September 30th-October 2nd, 2027. We will be gathering at the First Congregational Church in Westfield, NJ. You will hear more about this soon, but for now, please mark the dates on your calendar. We will soon post videos of the Annual Meeting on our website for those of you not able to attend. Blessings and looking forward to seeing you all in the Garden State!

Blessings,

And here's a look back at the event that was...

LAY WORSHIP LEADERS’ LECTIONARY GROUP MEETS OCTOBER 19

The Central Atlantic Conference is partnering with the United Church of Christ’s STAR (Small Town and Rural) Coalition to provide a weekly lectionary for lay leaders tasked with leading worship. The group will meet each Monday from 6:00-7:00 PM. To register for the FREE group, click here: LAY WORSHIP LEADERS’ LECTIONARY GROUP.

This week we will explore Matthew 22:34-46. Our leader will be Pastor Amelia Price from the Keystone Conference.

The group is open to all those who have not received authorization for their ministry from their association. The primary goal of the study group is to help prepare lay leaders who will be preaching the following Sunday. A secondary goal is to build relationships among lay preachers, so they have others to connect with when they feel alone in their efforts.

If you have questions about the study group, please contact Rev. Craig Peterson at cpeterson@cacucc.org or (609) 929-7585.

RETIRED CLERGY NETWORK MEETS OCTOBER 20

The next monthly Zoom gathering for retired clergy will be October 20 from 10:00-11:00 AM. Here is the Zoom link: RETIRED CLERGY NETWORK MEETING.

The network meets the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00-11:00 AM and is facilitated by Rev. Jennifer Knighton. If you have questions, you can reach Rev. Knighton at keiserweiser@gmail.com.

The Children's Defense Fund is inviting faith communities to join our Voting Rights Are Children's Rights campaign, a nonpartisan effort that encourages adults to consider the needs and well-being of children when participating in civic life.

We are calling on all to Vote with Children, Vote for Children.

One key activation for faith communities is the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths®, along with opportunities for congregations to engage throughout October.

• Participate in the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths® (October 16-18)

Children's Sabbaths Information & Resources

• Schedule a Coaching Session with Rev. Trevor Beauford, Organizing Manager, Faith Communities

https://calendly.com/trevorbeauford/national-observance-of-children-s-sabbath-training

• Join the Voting Rights Are Children's Rights Campaign and access faith-based voter engagement and advocacy resources

https://voteforchildren.netlify.app/

• Host a Read Aloud for Democracy Event in your congregation or community during October and help connect children's voices, literacy, and civic engagement. You can find the guide at https://voteforchildren.netlify.app/

Whether participating during Children's Sabbaths weekend or engaging at any point throughout October, congregations can join a growing movement of faith communities partnering with CDF to advance child well-being through worship, education, advocacy, and action.

CONFERENCE-WIDE CLERGY CHECK-IN OCTOBER 22, 2026

Authorized ministers in the Central Atlantic Conference are welcome to a drop-in Zoom call on the fourth Thursday of each month. June’s call will be 10/22/26 at noon and will be hosted by Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice. The purpose of the call is connection and support with no set agenda. The zoom link for this call can be found HERE.

Meeting ID: 864 7428 6018

Passcode: 585557

Walking Together Toward Racial Justice: A Learning and Action Series

The Central Atlantic Conference is offering a seven-session evening Zoom series for individuals and congregations that are curious about, in early stages, or just needing a review on how to work toward racial justice. We will explore what racism looks like across major life domains and person-to-person interactions. We will also identify ways that we as the church can work towards changing systems and institutions that promote and maintain racism. We CAN make the future better than the present and the past! Join us. Find your unique place in the work against racism, gain energy through our faith, get to know others engaging in the work, and learn about resources available generally and through the Conference.

We’ll be meeting Thursdays – 7:00- 8:30 pm ET

Start date: October 22nd (excluding Thanksgiving).

End date: December 10th

Facilitators: Rev. Marty Kuchma, Vivian Jackson, Saskia Campbell

The Lay Worship Leaders Institute is open to any lay person who would like to deepen their spiritual life and learn more about leading worship and preaching. Sessions will take place on Zoom, from 7-8:30pm ET. This offering is made at no cost to participants, though donations are gratefully received. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dr. Sharon Fennema who will be facilitating these sessions.

Email: sharonfennema@yahoo.com | Cell: 207-491-0955 (text preferred)

You can learn more about Sharon here.

Upcoming Boundary Awareness Training

Foundations BAT Training

October 29, 2026 (9a-1p)

Retirement BAT Training

November 5, 2026 (1-5p)

Financial Ethics BAT

November 10, 2026 (6-8p)

2027 Clergy Compensation Guidelines are available!

You will find a copy of the newly approved 2027 Clergy Compensation guidelines here

2027 Open Enrollment for Employers

Everything employers need to prepare for Open Enrollment, support employees, and manage benefits enrollment for 2027.

Open Enrollment for 2027 Medical Benefit Plans ends November 15. Employers must approve pending applications submitted by their employees no later than November 20.

https://lp.evercall.org/2027-ucc-health-plan-open-enrollment-employer-resource-center

ADVENT SERIES COMING SOON (DEC 5, 12 & 19): CHURCH BE NIMBLE

It matters very little whether God is still speaking or the world is radically changing if churches continue to organize themselves to always do what they've always done.

Life is infinitely creative. New ideas are routinely generated by good and gifted people prompted by circumstances and motivated by aspirations of faithful discipleship. But what chance do fresh breezes of the Spirit have in the face of systems designed to withstand even the mightiest winds of change?

Drawing on insights from organizational innovators in a variety of specializations, this Advent workshop series invites churches to become organizationally nimble by clearing away bureaucratic clutter and boldly engaging emerging possibilities. It helps churches organize for now and not forever and provides a way for meaningful ministry to maintain or reclaim its place at the top of every congregation's list of things to do today.

The Advent study will meet on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on December 5, 12, and 19. The study will be led by Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma and Rev. Craig Peterson.

You can get your copy of the text written by Rev. Dr. Kuchma here: CHURCH BE NIMBLE.

Communities of Practice: Fellowship, Support, and Growth

Communities of Practice offer a unique opportunity for clergy to gather in fellowship, mutual support, and shared growth. These groups create space for meaningful conversation, encouragement, accountability, and connection with colleagues who understand the joys and challenges of ministry.

As one participant shared, “Being a part of our Community of Practice group meets my need for peer support, accountability, growth, and more. We have a wonderful facilitator… we are able to be a blessing to each other. I’m signing up for the coming season of Communities of Practice.”

This program year will now run from January 2027- December 2027 with a program wide gathering in November, 2026. Registration is open, we hope you’ll consider joining a Community of Practice in the season ahead.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR CAC CHURCHES AT PRACTICAL RESOURCES

The Central Atlantic Conference is a subscriber to Practical Resources for Churches (http://www.prcli.org). The subscription allows those in our local churches free access to several services for free. There are some resources, however, that are not covered by the conference’s basic membership.

In order to make their services even more accessible, Practical Resources for Churches has created a special discount code for those in the Central Atlantic Conference to receive a 15% discount on purchases. To use the discount, simply enter the following code: CACUCC15.

If you have questions, please contact the Parish Resource Center Director Charlaine Apsel at charlaine@prcli.org.

PLEASE ATTEND OUR FALL ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION

First Congregational Church of Westfield, Westfield NJ at 9AM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

CATOCTIN ASSOCIATION

Grace UCC, Frederick MD at 3PM

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8

CHESAPEAKE ASSOCIATION

Online via Zoom at 1PM

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14

POTOMAC ASSOCIATION

Rockville United Church, Rockville MD at 9AM

Director of Music Ministry

First Congregational UCC of Washington, DC

First Congregational UCC of Washington, DC is currently accepting applications for the position. The position description (including job responsibilities, desired qualifications, and salary/benefit information) is available here.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter (including a statement of your philosophy of inclusive worship), minimum of two video recordings of your work (one conducting, one performing), and the names and contact information for two (2) references

Please send requested materials to firstchurchdchiring@gmail.com. Review will begin on October 12, 2026; the position will remain open until filled. All applications must be received via email.

Nursery Assistant

Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ

ERUCC is seeking a nursery assistant to be the lead staff in the nursery 2 Sundays a month. Our nursery assistant provides a safe and caring environment for the infants and children entrusted to their care on rotating Sunday mornings from 9am to Noon. The Nursery Assistant must be age 18 or older, have previous experience in working with infants and children, and agree to have criminal background check screening. The physical stamina to interact with toddlers and a commitment to follow ERUCC’s Safe Church Policies for working with children and youth are essential requirements of the position.

Learn More

Executive Director

Pathways Theological Education, Inc. is seeking an individual who shares our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service, and stewardship to fill our Executive Director role. The Executive Director is the community-facing point of contact for all activities related to our mission and educational services and reports directly to the PATHWAYS Board of Directors (BOD) or its designee. The individual filling this role will be expected to work collaboratively with the BOD, various committees, and the PATHWAYS’ Academic Council (PAC) to achieve strategic priorities and to deliver a student-centered educational experience responsive to the needs of our diverse learners and constituencies.

Learn More

Director of Children's & Youth Music Ministry

Little River United Church of Christ

Little River United Church of Christ (Annandale, VA) is seeking a part-time (16 hours/month) Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry to help inspire the next generation through music and enrich our intergenerational worship. If you’re passionate about working with children and youth in an inclusive faith community, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today at lrucc.org/careers or email your resume and cover letter to musicoffice@lrucc.org.